2351To James Madison from William Madison, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
As no division of the Estate, both real & personal, can take place without the friendly Bill in Chancery of which Mr Randolph & Wickam have been notified I deem any consultation on the subject unavailing ’till a decree is had, which may ascertain the Rights of all the claimants. As Executor I cannot concur in any distribution of the personal Estate without the authority of the Chancellor—and...
2352To James Madison from Charles Pinckney, 22 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I arrived last Evening at the Hague & proceed to day on my route to Paris. I inclose You the Leyden Gazette of this morning. I passed through Leyden Yesterday & stopped there sometime to view the academy & such things as were worthy my attention in that respectable & antient town once the capital of Holland & particularly to form an acquaintance & have some conversation with M: Blussé the...
2353To James Madison from Theodorus Bailey, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Poughkeepsie. Has discovered that Levi McKeen, without Bailey’s consent or knowledge, recommended him to Gallatin for position of commissioner of loans in New York. Declines being in competition for the office as salary would not support his family “in a city, where the means of living are so expensive.” Was assured before Congress adjourned by “conspicuous republican...
2354To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Amsterdam. Encloses that day’s Leiden Gazette with accounts of the revolution in government at The Hague. Reports that the Austrian emperor continues to sanction election of bishops of Cologne and Münster despite French and Prussian opposition. A few days earlier he forwarded a packet of letters from Pinckney, who left Amsterdam on 19 Sept. en route to Madrid. Would...
2355To James Madison from William Kirkpatrick, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Málaga. Since his 25 Aug. letter to JM , Philadelphia and Essex returned to Málaga and left again on 12 Sept. sailing east. Encloses copy of official notification he received on 5 Sept. of U.S. blockade of Tripoli; immediately informed all local consuls. Reports that quarantine on U.S. vessels has been reduced to ten days. Has news from Gibraltar that Tripolitan admiral...
2356To James Madison from Tobias Lear, 22 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
22 September 1801, Cap Français. No. 12. Encloses a copy of the organic laws of Saint-Domingue framed by the central assembly. RC , FC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Cap Haitien, vol. 3). RC 1 p.; marked duplicate; docketed by Wagner as received 24 Oct. FC docketed by Lear, with his notation: “Duplicate by Brig Brandy wine, Terence Downey—via Philada Sepr. 24h. 1801.” The enclosure may have been a copy...
2357From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 23 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Having sent you by Mr. Davis the communications recd. by the mail of last week, I have none to make you at present. You will find me at home, on saturday or sunday, when I hope to be able to fix the day for following you to Washington. The despatches for Mr. Livingston will be ready by the time I shall have the pleasure of seeing you. My conversation with Mr. Graham who staid a day or two with...
2358To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards an enclosure [not found] that he has received since his letter of the previous day. Reports that the legislature rejected the new constitution proposed by three members of the Batavian Directory after receiving a protest against it from the other two directors. The directors who had proposed the plan then employed a “Military Escort” to seal off the...
2359To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Lisbon. Has just received the enclosed letter from Portuguese minister of foreign affairs relating to the departure of Smith. Reports sharp increase in military impressment and meetings on 21 and 23 Sept. of a council of war. The French army at Zamora [Spain] may be preparing to move on Portugal. Its destination is unknown, but it is believed that France insists on gaining...
2360To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Treasury Department. Encloses copy of letter from collector at Boston and copy of statement from a Mr. Doane. RC and enclosures ( DLC : Gallatin Papers). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Gallatin. Docketed by Wagner as received the same day, with his notation: “British Snow Windsor / See Circular to the Governors of 16 April 1795.” Enclosures (4 pp.) are copies of...
2361To James Madison from Turell Tufts, 23 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 September 1801, Paramaribo. Reports arrival of sloop Sally of Wilmington from Norfolk with only registry certificate and clearance. Captain said that sea letter, shipping papers, and crew listing were lacking because collector Davies at Norfolk told him they were unnecessary. Points out that sea letter is the document which all naval commanders who do not speak English ask to see. Urges...
2362To James Madison from David Humphreys, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, Madrid. No. 287. Has formally notified minister of state of American blockade of Tripoli; encloses copy of that note and minister’s reply. Confirms news of victory of the Enterprize over Tripolitan corsair, quoting from a 19 Aug. report by Commodore Dale. Notes that Portugal continues to delay peace negotiations with France. Plans to send his accounts by an American citizen...
2363To James Madison from Rufus King, 24 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
24 September 1801, London. No. 35. Acknowledges JM’s letters of 21 May , 15 and 30 June , and 24 , 27 , and 28 July , the last three conveyed by Erving. Contrary to his earlier report, Denmark has not agreed to the convention with St. Petersburg, but he assumes it will eventually do so in order to regain its possessions in the East and West Indies. Discusses the situation in Europe after the...
2364From James Madison to Charles Pinckney, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
The instructions accompanying your commission as Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, informed you of the reported cession of Louisiana to France, of the views which the President had taken of the subject, and of the conduct to be pursued by you in relation to it. It was observed at the same time, that correspondent instructions would be given to the Minister Plenipotentiary to the French...
2365To James Madison from Alexander Fowler, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 19th. of April, for which I thank you, and I am obliged to you for the good opinion you entertain of my integrity and Independence. Electioneering Squabbles constantly creates not only animosities but misrepresentations, and it gives me pain, to find that our animosities here should have caused my name to be brought before our...
2366To James Madison from Jacob Wagner, 25 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Extract of a letter from Mr. Mountflorence to the Secretary of State, dated Paris 3rd. Augt. 1801. “The ratifications were exchanged 31st. ult. and Mr. Thomas Appleton This is the name of our Consul for Leghorn. J Wagner has been entrusted by Mr. Dawson with that of the French Government delivered unto him by Mr. Murray.” Extract of another letter from the same to the same, dated 6 Augt. 1801....
2367To James Madison from John Quincy Adams, 26 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr: Wagner having informed me by his letter of the 11th: instt: that neither copy of the within papers which I had forwarded from Hamburg, had then arrived at the seat of the government, I have now the honour to transmit a third copy of them; and am with great respect, Your very humble & obedt: Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Duplicate Originals of J. Q. Adams, 1800–1801, 1809–12). Docketed by...
2368To James Madison from Richard O’Brien, 26 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
26 September 1801, Algiers. Complains that the dey and the prime minister have requested four times that he provide a passport for over 250 crewmen from the two Tripolitan cruisers blockaded at Gibraltar. The crewmen, to avoid capture and starvation, had escaped and made their way to Oran. The dey wishes to return them by ship to Tripoli, but the port is under American blockade. Is determined...
2369To James Madison from James Monroe, 27 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
It has occurr’d to me it might possibly be of some use for me to give Mr. Livingston a letter to the consul Cambaceres. I was well acquainted with him, while in France, had much intercourse on publick business & he was often at my house. Still I am not aware it will produce any good effect; perhaps there may be an impropriety in my writing him. I send you a letter to him for mr. L., and submit...
2370To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 27 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 September 1801, Leghorn. No. 12. Sends enclosures covering occurrences since his last dispatch. Danish commodore Koefoed has arrived from Tripoli, where he adjusted terms of tribute rather than taking advantage of the current opportunity to eliminate payments; coercion of the pasha seems contrary to Danish policy. Though enclosures show the friendly disposition of Swedes, he believes they...
2371From James Madison to Robert R. Livingston, 28 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
You have already been informed of the intention of the President that your departure for France should be hastened, and that you would be furnished with a passage in the Boston Frigate, which after landing you at Bourdeaux, is to proceed to the Mediterranean. When this intention was communicated, it was understood that some difficulty had arisen in obtaining from the French Government a...
2372To James Madison from Robert R. Livingston, 28 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
On the rect of your favor of the 4th. I broke up my family & came to this place where I am arranging every thing for my departure. I have not however yet recd my despatches commission &c. Within five days after their arrival I shall be on board. I find from all the inquiries I can make here, that there will be little or no saving in point of time between sending the ship to Havre or Bourdeux....
2373To James Madison from Louis-André Pichon, 28 September 1801 (Madison Papers)
C’est avec bien du plaisir que le Cen. Pichon donne à Mr. Madison communication de l’extrait ci inclus d’une lettre qu’il vient de recevoir du Gouverneur Lacrosse. Il prouvera l’esprit qui anime cet officier, ainsi que celui dans lequel Ses instructions Sont concues. Le Gal. Lacrosse dans la même dépêche, en répondant aux instances que le Cen. Pichon, à la connaissance même de Mr. Madison, lui...
2374To James Madison from Thomas Appleton, 28 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 September 1801, Leghorn. Fears his dispatch of 9 July may have been lost in a postal robbery at Nice. Announces that American ship Columbia and schooner Raven were seized on the suspicion of their being British property but General Murat, on his request, ordered them to be released. Has found Murat to be prompt in responding to requests for favors or justice. Current political situation in...
2375To James Madison from Daniel D’Oyley, 28 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 September 1801, Charleston, South Carolina. Apologizes for asking JM to forward the enclosed letters: one of private importance for Charles Pinckney, another for Major Butler containing interesting political information. RC ( ViU ). 2 pp.; docketed by both Wagner and Jefferson as received 9 Oct. On D’Oyley, who was Pinckney’s cousin, see PJM-SS Robert J. Brugger et al., eds., The Papers of...
2376To James Madison from James Madison, Jr., 29 [September] 1801 (Madison Papers)
Since I saw you, I have visited several small Towns on James River, for the purpose of procuring a place for vending Goods; but found them all well supply’d with people of that description. Mr Shepherd advises me strongly to go to Stevensburg, as there is not at this time a tolerable Store in that place. He says more goods may be sold there than ever was vended at this Mill, and the payments...
2377To James Madison from Stephen Cathalan, Jr., 29 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 September 1801, Marseilles. Acknowledges receipt of JM’s letters of 7 and 14 July, enclosing his new commission as commercial agent. Both he and his aged father are grateful beyond his power to express for this sign of favor from JM and the president. Has also received blank bond which law requires in lieu of the bond he gave on entering office. Is sending Philadelphia merchant Felix...
2378To James Madison from George W. Erving, 29 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
29 September 1801, London. No. 1. Reports his arrival at Falmouth on 16 Sept. and at London on 20 Sept. Immediately delivered commission, instructions, and JM’s dispatches to Rufus King. Williams will continue in post until Erving obtains exequatur. Has asked Williams, who has provided all information requested, to arrange papers in easily understood sequence; will then prepare statement on...
2379To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 30 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1801, Amsterdam. Forwards two issues of the Leiden Gazette . Recent reports of British victory in Egypt conflict with later accounts of Menou’s determination to hold out in the hope of receiving aid from France, the government of which appreciates “the importance of the Object as one means of attacking the Colossal Strength of GB. in the E[ast] I[ndies].” The settlement of...
2380To James Madison from David Humphreys, 30 September 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 September 1801, Madrid. No. 288. Has been informed secretly that France and Portugal signed a peace treaty in Madrid the night before. Believes the conditions are very onerous for Portugal and the agreement was extorted under threat of invasion. In postscript of 1 Oct., reports that five days before the treaty was signed the French army had been given orders to invade Portugal and that...
2381To James Madison from William Jarvis, 1 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1801, San Sebastian. Appends a copy of a letter he wrote to JM from London. Subsequent changes reported in consulates in Europe lead him to believe Bulkeley will be removed even if political situation in Portugal does not change. Repeats desire for Lisbon post. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Jarvis”). 1 p.; preceded by Jarvis’s copy of his 22 Aug. 1801 letter to JM .
2382To James Madison from William Savage, 1 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 October 1801, Kingston, Jamaica. Encloses his quarterly accounts up to 30 Sept. Has drawn on JM in the amount of $294.12. Is preparing list of impressed seamen, “which will shortly be transmitted.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Kingston, Jamaica, vol. 1). 1 p.; marked duplicate. Enclosure not found. A full transcription of this document has been added to the digital edition.
2383To James Madison from Rufus King, 2 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Preliminaries of peace between France and Great Britain, were signed last night at Lord Hawkesburys office. With perfect respect & Esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your ob: & faithful Servt: RC ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain, vol. 9); letterbook copy ( NHi : Rufus King Papers, vol. 54). RC docketed by Wagner.
2384To James Madison from Blake & Magwood, 2 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 October 1801, Charleston. Addresses JM on the subject of enclosed letter from Capt. Oliver Fuller of the brig Washington , which is owned by the firm and was seized on a voyage from Port Républicain to Charleston. According to the letter, the ship was captured 4 Sept. just outside Charleston by the British frigate Circe and carried into Jamaica. Fuller seems to have written in haste and...
2385To James Madison from David Gelston, 2 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
2 October 1801, Collector’s Office, New York. Ragusan captain [Jercovich], “finding since I discharged him, that he cannot recover his demurrage from Mr Eaton by continuing here which I found was his plan,” has offered to sail to any of the ports previously proposed. Captain now prefers to avoid returning to Tunis at all and wishes to receive remainder of charter fee in order to spend it on...
2386From James Madison to Thomas Jefferson, 3 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Kemble followed you on tuesday afternoon, with the despatches for Mr. Livingston & Mr. Pinkney, & I hope arrived in time to get them to N. York before the frigate could sail. By detaining him no time was lost as he was employed in making fair copies, otherwise to be made in the office, & as by reposing himself & his horse he could return the more expeditiously. The distribution of the...
2387Petition to the General Assembly of Virginia, [ca. 3 October] 1801 (Madison Papers)
To the honorable the General Assembly of Virginia Your petitioners the subscribers Shew, that James Madison James Madison jur. Francis Madison and William Madison formed a partnership under the firm of William Madison and Company for the purpose of erecting a merchant-Mill in the county of Madison on the Rapidan river and obtained the right in sixteen & a half acres of land on which the said...
2388To James Madison from William Lee, 3 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1801, Bordeaux. Recent accounts leave no doubt that peace between France and Great Britain either is already concluded or will be soon. Encloses copies of two letters from a Paris banking house to friends of Lee’s in Bordeaux and quotes from two other letters he has received from Paris—the first, dated 24 Sept., mentioning that negotiations are “going on with great activity” and the...
2389To James Madison from Elias Vander Horst, 3 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 October 1801, Bristol. Transmits latest newspapers and encloses a letter from King containing word that peace preliminaries were just signed between Great Britain and France. Though terms are not yet revealed, has been informed that Great Britain will retain Cape of Good Hope and Ceylon but Egypt and Malta will be restored to their former owners. Encloses London prices current but expects...
2390To James Madison from Thomas Bulkeley, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, Lisbon. Delay in departure of brig Neptune gives him the opportunity to announce that the peace treaty between France and Portugal was concluded on 30 Sept. at Madrid. An express brought the news to Lisbon on 3 Oct., and letters from Spain confirm it. RC ( DNA : RG 59, CD , Lisbon, vol. 1). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner. A full transcription of this document has been added to the...
2391To James Madison from William Eaton, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, “ On board the Philada., road of Tunis. ” Comments that although the U.S. squadron has not had all the success it seemed to promise, it has done much good by preventing “any of our citizens falling into chains” and showing the Tripolitans “a very flattering specimen of the harvest they may reap” in a war with the U.S. Tripolitan admiral and crew would certainly have been taken...
2392To James Madison from George W. Erving, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, London. Reports that on 2 Oct. Great Britain and France announced signing of peace preliminaries. Believes news of French surrender at Alexandria hastened this event. Relates unconfirmed rumor that the preliminaries provide for a French guarantee of the integrity of the Turkish Empire (which must include the surrender of Egypt) and also for the security of the Kingdom of...
2393To James Madison from Rufus King, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, London. No. 37. Had expected to close negotiations on article 6 of the Jay treaty in time to forward result via Dawson, who is on the point of embarkation, but they are not yet concluded. Transmits instead a report of activities since his dispatch no. 32 [24 Aug.]. Will not agree to any variations on or enlargements of the [1783] treaty of peace as this would only “lay the...
2394To James Madison from Spencer Roane, 4 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 October 1801, Spring Garden, Hanover. Recommends Laurence Muse, customs collector at the port of Tappahannock, for the same post at Norfolk, where Muse has heard there will probably be a vacancy. RC (owned by Walter N. Eastburn, East Orange, N.J., 1961). 2 pp. Muse never received the appointment. Incumbent William Davies resigned for reasons of health in 1804 and was replaced by Wilson Cary...
2395To James Madison from Caesar A. Rodney, 5 October 1801 (Madison Papers)
I returned late last evening from a political tour of about two weeks in the lower counties of this State. I travelled with the acts of congress the annual reports of the Secretary of the Treasury & other documents in my hands to meet the Federalists on their strongest grounds. We have followed the example of the worthy Duvall & the other Republicans of Maryland in addressing the people on the...
2396To James Madison from Thomas Doughty, 5 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 October 1801, Philadelphia. Has received Wagner’s letter of 22 Sept. informing him that JM will order the compensation money paid by the Dutch government for the Wilmington Packet to be drawn to the U.S. Asks to be advised what the amount is in dollars after the exchange is completed. Leaves the decision on “investing the amount in some productive fund” to JM. In a postscript, asks that...
2397To James Madison from David Fay, 6 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1801, Bennington. Encloses information from the docket of the circuit court, classified by nature, disposition, and term, as requested on 2 June. Will be happy to provide further information if necessary. RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). RC 1 p. Enclosure (93 pp.) is a list in three parts of circuit court cases for the Vermont district. An abstract of the list is printed in ASP...
2398To James Madison from William Jones, 6 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 October 1801, Philadelphia. Introduces Robert Ritchie, U.S. consul at Port Républicain, whose private concerns have caused him to return briefly to Philadelphia. RC ( ViU ). 1 p. Cover marked by Jones: “Mr. Ritchie.”
2399Promissory Note to Isaac Hite, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801. JM promises to pay Hite “five hundred dollars, for value received.” Ms (Madison County, Virginia, Circuit Court Records). 1 p. In JM’s hand. Witnessed by JM’s niece Nelly C. Madison. Cover docketed by Hite, “James Madison to Isaac Hite note for £150.”
2400To James Madison from Sylvanus Bourne, 7 October 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
7 October 1801, Amsterdam. Reports that, contrary to general expectation, peace preliminaries between France and Great Britain were signed at London on 2 Oct.; terms are still unknown. Declares event will “produce a marked & most material change in the political & commercial Worlds, & its consequences on the future destinies of Europe cannot yet be traced.” Encloses letter to Jefferson on...